Hospital using all biodegradable dinnerware items

Chuck Cathey, dietary director at the Jefferson County Health Center, shows off the biodegradable dinnerware now being used in the hospital’s cafeteria. — LACEY JACOBS/Ledger photo

Jefferson County Health Center can toss their empty cups and plates into the garbage guilt free.

Since the new health center opened, the cafeteria has been using all biodegradable dinnerware — the utensils, cups, plates, napkins and even garbage bags are all compostable.

“We are the first hospital in the state to go with biodegradable products,” said Chuck Cathey, the health center’s dietary director.

He explained the switch was made to control costs and dovetail with the city’s efforts to go green. Because labor is a major expense, Cathey began looking at disposable products, but Styrofoam was not an option.

At first finding the biodegradable products was a challenge because the suppliers didn’t keep them in stock.

For the complete article and photos, see the Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2010, printed edition of The Fairfield Ledger.